Dennis Harris has been a Cherry Lodge member since being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018.
When I first heard the word ‘cancer’, it felt as though the bottom had dropped out of my world. Everything went dark and I couldn’t even speak – my mind was all over the place, and my partner Carol had to do the talking for me. I was facing the unknown, and it was very scary.
I first heard about Cherry Lodge in the early days of my treatment. A personal trainer who was working with cancer patients referred me, and since then, the charity has supported me so much. Everyone has been very caring, like a supportive little family.
I tried acupuncture, and the funny thing was, I recognised the acupuncturist – it was Margaret, the founder of Cherry Lodge, who I worked with when I was a theatre attendant in operating theatres, and she was an anaesthetist.
Margaret was wonderful and the acupuncture helped a lot. But I was still depressed and down in the dumps about my diagnosis, so I also saw a Cherry Lodge counsellor, Rosie. Talking to her was great for my mental health, and she was so lovely, even talking to me on the phone every week, when Covid meant we could no longer meet face-to-face.
I also used the befriending service for while, when I was feeling low – it helped to have someone outside family and friends to talk to. Everyone at Cherry Lodge is caring, supporting and helpful. If I was struggling, I could call any time for advice or support. They always have time for you – it’s like having someone who’s always on your side, and has your back when times are tough.
I’m still undergoing treatment and feel tired sometimes from all the medications. But my cancer is stable, and the oncologist is happy with my progress. And I still get a lot of benefit from my acupuncture sessions.
Cherry Lodge means the world to me. I just wish I had a million pounds to donate, because it’s a lifeline for so many people. Long may Cherry Lodge keep going, supporting people like me when we need them most.